Berks Defeats Vienna in Close Cross-Border Battle
Berks Defeats Vienna in Close Cross-Border Battle
In an early-season matchup between two well-regarded HS clubs, Berks County Rugby defeated defending Tier II National Champion Vienna 19-12 over the weekend.
The game was played on a crisp, windy day on the picturesque campus of Mount St. Mary's University.
Both teams were still missing key players due to winter sports commitments, but both showed remarkable physicality and skill from the start. Vienna Rugby, fresh off a win against the 2023 Pennsylvania state champions, Gregory the Great, were now facing the team GGA beat in that final, Berks.
The match began with intense physical exchanges, with Vienna breaking the deadlock within the first 15 minutes with a try, taking a 5-0 lead.
Berks responded with sustained pressure in Vienna’s half, leading to a try by sophomore No. 8 Josiah Boyer, who picked the ball from the scrum 10 meters from the tryline and barreled through three defenders, tying the score at 5-5.
Three tries from Josiah Boyer sends Berks past Vienna. Here's one of them. pic.twitter.com/obiLa2GaJP
— Alex Goff (@goffrugbyreport) February 25, 2024
Berks continued to press, with Boyer scoring another try before halftime, giving Berks a 12-5 lead.
The second half saw Vienna come out strong, but Berks’ formidable forward pack maintained their physical defense, keeping Vienna's quick attack at bay.
As the game progressed, Berks exploited their physical advantage, with Boyer completing his hattrick. Flyhalf Matt Cleland slotted his second conversion, extending Berks' lead to 19-5.
Vienna, true to their champion spirit, fought back and managed to cut the lead to 19-12. Despite Vienna's late-game pressure, Berks County’s defense stood tall, securing a well-deserved victory as the game concluded with a kick to touch.
Berks' coach Greg Stelluti expressed satisfaction with the team's performance against a strong opponent, noting the physical play of his forwards as a significant factor in the win. He also emphasized the need for improvement as the season progresses.
“For a first game of the year, I was very happy with the result," Stelluti said. "But it also showed us that we have a lot to work on. We have more tough games ahead and need to improve each week."